Wisdom should be both shared as well as received. I have spent many years learning about art from all aspects, and in early 2006 I was given my first opportunity to teach.

My neighbor Maureen Haight approached me about giving her daughter Ali private art lessons. So began a journey where I found myself both teacher as well as student to a very talented young lady. Ali was 12 at the time we began her lessons. She was, and I guess still is, a very quiet person which is rather opposite to my personality, however, she showed willingness to learn and I quickly realized her talent. I was amazed how she advanced from week to week. I had told her mother and father that if she continued with it, I believe she will surpass my abilities. I had her working on assignments I had been given while in college, and she did an amazing job.

The pictures that follow are some of the work Ali made while working with me over the course of just over a year for an hour once a week. I am not sure if Ali will decide to be an artist. She is an honor student and excels in many areas. However I like to think that our time working together added something to her life that she will be able to draw from no matter what she chooses to become.

I also hope that I will have the opportunity to teach other gifted students in the future. From working with Ali I I have learned to be patient and listen in a way that I have never before. I can say that
our lessons where as much of a learning experience for me as they were for Ali.